Running for Sherry

Today I participated in a virtual run. 

On January 7th, Sherry Arnold was kidnapped by two men on her morning run in the small town of Sidney, Montana.  She was only a mile from her house.  She was a high-school teacher, a wife and a mother.  I found out about her through a blog I follow, Shut up + Run.  I was deeply saddened by her story and I just couldn't get her off my mind for many days after her disappearance.  I obviously didn't know Sherry, but I was so maddened and disgusted by the evil of those two men who have since confessed to killing her. 

And then I found out about the virtual run for her.  There is evil in this world, but I think there is more good.  I felt anger and sadness over this situation, but I knew this run could bring hope and healing to so many people. And I 100% believe in the power of collective positivity. 

My bib, "Running for Sherry"

Cambria started me off with "1, 2, 3 GO!"

So today I ran 3.1 miles in Sherry's honor and memory.  On my run I thought about Sherry and her family.  I hoped for healing and closure for those who loved her most.  And I wished that she could know how many people around the world were running at the exact same time, all with her on their minds. Amazing.  

You were loved today, Sherry!

A lesson from Cambria and Oprah

Taken almost a year ago on our way to Asheville, NC for wedding preparations.

That girl, I love her so. 

Tonight while she was playing and running around my parent's house something magical happened. 

She ran up to me and I scooped her up in my arms and we fell back into the couch.  

I snuggled her close, kissed her a few times, and then said something I tell my children many times throughout the day. 

"I love you, Cambria"

And clear as anything, without hesitiation, she replied "I know"

It touched my heart and I instantly began to cry. 

Whether that's what she meant I'm not sure, but that's what I heard.

And those two words brought more joy and happiness than I can explain. 

Today on Oprah's last show she talked about all the greatest lessons she's learned from the show over the last 25 years.

Everything she said was inspiring.

I took many things to heart. 

"Live life from the heart of yourself"

"You have to know what sparks the light in you, so that you, in your own way, can illuminate the world"

"Your 'calling' lights you up and it lets you know that you are exactly where you're supposed to be, doing exactly what you're supposed to be doing." 

I still haven't figured out exactly what I want to do with my life once my children no longer need me, but today I realized that right now, I am exactly where I'm supposed to be, doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing. 

Right now, motherhood is my calling.

Cambria and Oprah helped me realize that today and I love them both for it. 

Check out a clip of the show here.